Preventive Generator Maintenance — Power Up

By Geoffrey Sperring

July 31, 2024

With all the power outages in your area, you've bought a backup generator to keep your home or business running when power is out. But you hear a few horror stories from people who've bought new generators only to find they don't work when needed.

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This doesn't have to be the case. Provided you perform regular generator maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer, the standby generator should give you years of reliable service. Here's what to do.

Why Is It Important to Maintain Your Generator?

Whether you have a small gas-powered generator or a powerful diesel unit, they all require regular maintenance for reliable operation. This is particularly important for generators only used in an emergency but also applies to units you use extensively on job sites and in remote locations.

Common electric generator maintenance requirements include checking and changing the oil periodically. They need regular air and fuel filter changes, and you need to keep an eye on the condition of the fuel and the batteries. These simple preventive maintenance steps ensure your generator always works when required.

How Often Should You Do Generator Preventive Maintenance?

Consult your generator's manual about the frequency of maintenance inspections. Manufacturers usually suggest specific weekly, monthly and annual maintenance tasks. These apply when you're running the generator frequently, such as most days of the week.

The requirements for standby and home generator maintenance, when you only power up occasionally, are different and are primarily based on running hours. However, you still need to do periodic inspections to make sure the batteries are fine, and the generator starts when required.

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Home Generator Maintenance Checklist

It's good practice to prepare a generator maintenance schedule. This way, you won't forget to do essential checks. Print the list and fasten it to the wall or on the generator. For critical applications, keep a record book so there's a written record of inspections and repairs. This way, you can keep track of the generator's condition and monitor things such as oil consumption and the condition of the filters.

Here's a list of suggested maintenance tasks:

Do a Visual Inspection

Do a regular visual inspection to check the overall condition of the generator and its exhaust system.

Check Oil and Coolant Levels

Periodically, check the engine oil and other fluid levels. For industrial applications, consider getting a regular oil analysis done so you can inspect for engine wear particles in the oil and adjust schedules accordingly.

Monitor the Starting Batteries

Check the condition of the starting batteries. Use a multimeter to verify the correct battery charging. Make sure the battery cables are tight and there's no corrosion on the battery terminals.

Look for Debris

Keep the area around the generator clean, especially the radiator. Mop up spilled fluids and look for oil leaks.

Change Air Filters

Change the air filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Do this more often in dusty conditions.

Maintain the Fuel System

For diesel generators, ensure there's no water in the fuel filter, and change fuel filters after the recommended number of hours of use.

Inspect the Spark Plugs

Inspect and adjust spark plugs periodically, depending on running hours. If you notice they're fouled, check and clean them more frequently. Change the plugs as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Change the Oil and Filter

Change the oil after the specified number of running hours. Change the oil filter at the same time. Depending on the type of generator, the interval is usually between 200 and 500 hours of use.

Call Someone For Annual Generator Servicing

The manufacturer's generator servicing requirements may include the need for a major service by an expert after a specified number of running hours to attend to items such as drive belts, injection pumps, injectors, engine adjustments and generator brushes.

A good rule of thumb is to have a certified technician inspect and service your generator once a year. However, other experts say a professional inspection should take place as often as every six months, or after 500 hours of use. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.

How to Maintain Your Backup Generator While It’s Not in Regular Use

The maintenance tasks listed above are designed for generators that run often. If you have a backup or standby generator that doesn't get used very often, you could face different problems. Perform these checks for the peace of mind that your unit will start and run when needed.

Run the Generator

You haven't had to turn on your generator in a while. Lucky you. It's still a good idea to start and run the generator periodically and ensure it runs properly. Experts recommend doing this at least once a month. Consider a weekly check for critical standby applications. Allow the generator to warm up properly before shutting it down.

Verify Battery Condition

Periodically check the battery electrolyte levels and the specific gravity to confirm the batteries are properly charged and in good condition.

Check Fuel

Inspect fuel levels and test for water contamination in the fuel tank. Periodically flush out gas systems to prevent fuel degradation.

Conduct a Generator Load Test

It's extremely important to perform regular load tests to make sure the generator accepts load. If the unit automatically starts on a power failure, simulate one to make certain the starting relays work correctly.

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